Airborne Museum 'Hartenstein'

Geschiedenis

The Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ in Oosterbeek, The Netherlands is dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem in which the Allied Forces attempted to form a bridgehead on the northern banks of the Rhine river in September 1944. Hartenstein served as the headquarters of the British 1st Airborne Division. In the museum an extensive and diverse collection is displayed consisting of original weaponry, genuine uniforms and equipment used in the battle. The numerous photos and films on display provide a realistic picture which is enhanced by interviews with Allied soldiers. In addition the museum has an award-winning Airborne Experience exhibition, that depicts the area around Arnhem and Oosterbeek during the battle. The museum also provides German and civilian perspectives.History of the Hotel HartensteinHistorical records from 1728 indicate that an inn called ‘Het Rode Hert’ stood at the important crossroad of the 'Utrechtseweg' in Oosterbeek. In 1779 the inn and the surrounding land was acquired by a wealthy attorney to the Court of Gelderland named J. van der Sluys. The inn was demolished and in its place a mansion was constructed complete with adjacent annexes. The new mansion was named ‘Hartenstein’.After the death of Van der Sluys, ‘Hartenstein’ was passed along to a variety of owners. In 1865 the present building appeared on the site and a coach house was built next to it . In 1905 the villa was extended with two conservatories. Finally, in 1942, the Municipality of Renkum became Hartenstein's new owner and transformed it into a hotel.

"Het Airborne Museum vertelt je het verhaal van de Slag om Arnhem in september 1944. Stap voor stap doorloop je de Slag om Arnhem. In de vaste presentatie zie je authentieke militaria – onder andere wapens, persoonlijke bezittingen van officieren en originele tenues. Ook is het Airborne Museum een museum van persoonlijke verhalen. Je maakt kennis met burgers en hun heldhaftige verhalen. Onze ooggetuigen vertellen je hoe het was om als kind de Slag om Arnhem mee te maken.Het verhaal van de Slag om Arnhem wordt vanuit een multiperspectief benaderd. Zowel Britse, Poolse als Duitse militairen komen voorbij."